This Friday marks the official kickoff of NARFE's 2026 Grassroots Advocacy Month (GAM), and there has never been a more important time for our federal family to come together.
The strength of NARFE has always been its people. Whether you're a current federal employee, retiree, survivor, or supporter of public service, we are all family. We are connected by our commitment to serving our country and to standing up for one another when it matters most.
This year, it matters more than ever.
GAM 2026 comes at a time when the federal community faces unprecedented challenges. Efforts to weaken the nonpartisan, merit-based civil service threaten the professional workforce that Americans depend on every day. Large-scale reductions in force are disrupting government operations and affecting dedicated public servants across the country. And while we successfully defended earned federal retirement benefits from congressional attacks, FERS retirees continue to feel the effects of inflation because of unequal cost-of-living adjustments.
That's why this year's Grassroots Advocacy Month is focused on advancing legislative solutions that protect our federal family. Together, we'll advocate for the Saving the Civil Service Act to preserve a professional, merit-based workforce; the Equal COLA Act to provide fair cost-of-living adjustments for FERS retirees; legislation that protects the integrity of government operations during workforce reductions; and greater congressional support for the federal community through membership in the Federal Workforce Caucus.
Stay Connected Throughout GAM
Just like any family, we're strongest when we stay connected.
To keep up with weekly advocacy opportunities throughout GAM 2026, be sure to:
You'll find links to each of these resources below:
Start Scheduling Your Meetings Today
Now is also the perfect time to begin contacting the district offices of your Representative and Senators to schedule meetings during the August congressional recess. Meeting with lawmakers in their home districts is one of the most effective ways to share your story and demonstrate how federal policies affect real people in their communities.
You can find district office contact information on Members' official websites using the links below:
If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact Nicole Blackstone, Grassroots & Policy Manager, at nblackstone@narfe.org.
Our family is not limited to NARFE members, and recognizing those who support us is key to building our community. To recognize and thank members of Congress who have used their voice to uplift federal employees and annuitants, NARFE has created the NARFE Ally Award.
The award is given to those who champion our priorities by cosponsoring key bills, voting in line with NARFE advocacy positions, and signing on to letters in line with NARFE's priorities. The NARFE Ally Award was created as symbol of gratitude and is intended to be presented as such, so we encourage you to gift the award to qualifying members and make them feel like family during GAM.
Prior to giving the award to your member of Congress, please ensure they qualify for the award. See the award criteria here: NARFE Ally Award Criteria. If you would like to confirm they qualify, please contact Nicole Blackstone, Grassroots & Policy Manager, at nblackstone@narfe.org.
Here is the certificate to provide: NARFE Ally Award Certificate. Just fill in the member of Congress name, name and title of the NARFE officer and indicate the NARFE Federation.
When providing the award, please make sure to get a photo with the member of Congress with you providing the award, as we want to publicize the recognition and effort. Please send the pictures to commnunications@narfe.org and advocacy@narfe.org.
Grassroots Advocacy Month is about more than taking action-it's about standing together. Every email you send, every meeting you hold, every social media post you share, and every conversation you have helps strengthen the voice of our federal family.
Thank you for your continued commitment to NARFE, to public service, and to one another.
When we advocate together, we protect one another. When we share our stories, we strengthen our community. And when our family speaks with one voice, Congress listens.
Let's make GAM 2026 our strongest advocacy month yet. We look forward to working alongside you-because we are all family.